Masten Space Systems#Xombie

Masten Space Systems was a Mojave, California based rocket company that was developing a line of reusable VTVL spacecraft, and related rocket propulsion hardware.

Masten Space Systems competed in the NASA and Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge X Prize in 2009, winning the level one second prize of US$150,000{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/centennial_challenges/cc_masten_level_1_prt.htm|date=October 8, 2009|title=Masten Space Systems Qualifies for Level One Prize in Lunar Lander Challenge}} and the level two first prize of US$1,000,000.{{cite web|url=http://thelaunchpad.xprize.org/2009/10/masten-qualifies-for-1-million-prize.html|title=Masten Qualifies for $1 Million Prize|date=October 30, 2009|access-date=November 1, 2009|archive-date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830224336/http://thelaunchpad.xprize.org/2009/10/masten-qualifies-for-1-million-prize.html|url-status=dead}} On 2 November 2009, it was announced that Masten Space Systems had won first place in the level two category, with Armadillo Aerospace coming in second.{{Cite press release|title=NASA and X Prize Announce Winners of Lunar Lander Challenge|publisher=NASA|date=2009-11-02 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/nov/HQ_09-258-Lunar_Lander.html|access-date=2009-11-02}}{{Cite press release|title=X PRIZE Foundation and NASA Cap Amazing Lunar Lander Competition and Award $2 Million in Prizes|publisher=X-Prize Foundation|date=2009-11-02|url=http://www.xprize.org/media-center/press-release/x-prize-foundation-and-nasa-cap-amazing-lunar-lander-competition-and-awar|access-date=2009-11-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612211656/http://xprize.org/media-center/press-release/x-prize-foundation-and-nasa-cap-amazing-lunar-lander-competition-and-awar|archive-date=2010-06-12}}

Masten Space Systems was selected for the Lunar CATALYST initiative of the NASA on 30 April 2014.

Masten was accepted to make a bid for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program on 29 November 2018. Masten proposed to NASA that Masten would develop a lunar lander called XL-1 to take scientific payload to the Moon. NASA accepted this proposal to be assessed, whether it would be developed or not, as part of the CLPS program. NASA would later choose which of the bids made for CLPS program by the various companies eligible to bid for CLPS the agency would eventually fund for development.

On 8 April 2020, it was announced that NASA had selected Masten's CLPS bid to be developed. NASA awarded Masten a $75.9 million contract to build, launch, land and operate their XL-1 Moon lander. The lander would take payload from NASA and other customers to the south pole of the Moon. Masten Mission One, the first XL-1 lander, was scheduled for launch in November 2023.

Masten Space Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 28, 2022. The company's assets were purchased for US$4.5 million by Astrobotic Technology on September 8, 2022, who continues to operate the company's test vehicles.{{Cite web |last=Alamalhodaei |first=Aria |date=2022-09-13 |title=Astrobotic expands with acquisition of Masten Space Systems |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/13/astrobotic-expands-with-acquisition-of-masten-space-systems/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}

Masten's Xombie (model XA-0.1B) won the {{currency|150000|US}} second prize in the Level One competition of the Lunar Lander Challenge on 7 October 2009 with an average landing accuracy of {{convert|16|cm}}.{{cite web|title=Masten and Armadillo Claim Lunar Lander Prizes|url=http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/centennial_challenges/cc_ll_feature_lvl2.html |work=Centennial Challenges: NASA's Prize Program for the "Citizen Inventor"|publisher=NASA|access-date=2011-03-10|date=2009-11-02|quote=In the Level One competition, Armadillo Aerospace previously claimed the first-place prize of $350,000 in 2008. Masten Space Systems qualified for the remaining second-place prize on 7 October 2009, with an average landing accuracy of 16 cm. There were no other qualifying Level One flight this year and so the Masten team will receive the second-place prize of $150,000.}}

The primary goal of these two airframes was to demonstrate stable, controlled flight using a GN&C system developed in-house at Masten. XA-0.1B originally featured four engines with {{convert|1000|lbf|kN|sigfig=1}} thrust, but was converted in Spring 2009 to be powered by one engine of {{convert|750|lbf|kN|sigfig=1}} thrust.{{cite web|url=http://masten-space.com/blog/?p=266|title=Post Space Access Technical Update|last=Goff|first=Jonathan|date=April 17, 2009|access-date=November 1, 2009|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122170108/http://masten-space.com/blog/?p=266|url-status=dead}} By October 2009, the regeneratively cooled isopropyl alcohol and liquid oxygen rocket engine was running at around {{convert|900|lbf|kN|sigfig=1}}.{{cite web|url=http://masten.aero/2009/10/masten-space-systems-successfully-completes-lunar-lander-challenge/|title=Masten Space Systems Successfully Completes Lunar Lander Challenge|last=Mealling|first=Michael|date=2009-09-08|access-date=2015-06-15|archive-date=2016-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117052626/http://masten.aero/2009/10/masten-space-systems-successfully-completes-lunar-lander-challenge/|url-status=dead}}

XA-0.1B, nicknamed "Xombie", first flew free of tether 19 September 2009,{{cite web|url=http://masten-space.com/blog/?p=345|title=First Successful Free Flight|last=Mealling|first=Michael|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=November 1, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303052529/http://masten-space.com/blog/?p=345|url-status=dead}} and qualified for the Lunar Lander Challenge Level One second prize of $150,000 on 7 October 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/centennial_challenges/cc_masten_level_1_prt.htm|title=Masten Space Systems Qualifies for Level One Prize in Lunar Lander Challenge|date=October 8, 2009}}

In October 2016, NASA reported using Xombie to test the Landing Vision System (LVS), as part of the Autonomous Descent and Ascent Powered-flight Testbed (ADAPT) experimental technologies, for the Mars 2020 mission landing.{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Leslie|last2=Webster|first2=Guy|last3=Anderson|first3=Gina|title=NASA Flight Program Tests Mars Lander Vision System |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6635|date=4 October 2016|work=NASA|access-date=5 October 2016}}

{{Asof|2017|3|7}}, Xombie had flown 224 times.

Masten's Xoie (model XA-0.1E) won the {{currency|1000000|US}} Level Two prize of the Lunar Lander Challenge on October 30, 2009. They beat Armadillo Aerospace by just a bit more than {{convert|24|in}} of total landing accuracy, with an average accuracy of about {{convert|7.5|in}} on the two landings in the round-trip competition flight.{{cite web|title=Masten and Armadillo Claim Lunar Lander Prizes|url=http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/centennial_challenges/cc_ll_feature_lvl2.html|work=Centennial Challenges: NASA's Prize Program for the "Citizen Inventor"|publisher=NASA|access-date=2011-03-10|date=2009-11-02|quote=With only a few days remaining in the 2009 competition period, Masten Space Systems of Mojave, California successfully met the Level Two requirements for the Centennial Challenges - Lunar Lander Challenge and by posting the best average landing accuracy, won the first-place prize of $1,000,000. The flights were conducted with their "Xoie" (XA-0.1E) vehicle on October 30 at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Armadillo Aerospace, the long-time leader in Lunar Lander Challenge efforts, was the first team to qualify for the Level Two prize with successful flights on Sept. 12 in Caddo Mills, Texas. The average landing accuracy determines which teams will receive first and second place prizes. The average accuracy for Armadillo Aerospace flights was 87 cm. but the Masten team achieved an accuracy of 19 cm, moving them into first place. Armadillo Aerospace will receive the $500,000 second-place prize.}}{{cite news|last=Paur|first=Jason |title=Xoie Claims $1 Million Lunar Lander Prize|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/xoie-claims-1-million-lunar-lander-prize/|access-date=2011-03-10|newspaper=Wired|date=2009-11-04|quote=Leaving it to the last minute, the team from Masten Space Systems has made a come-from-behind effort to win the $1 million prize after successfully flying its lunar lander last week. The team flew a new ship, called Xoie, to qualify for level 2 of the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge… more than 1000 pounds of thrust… managed to make the round trip with an average landing accuracy of about 7.5 inches.}}

Xoie had an aluminum frame and featured a version of Masten's {{convert|750|lbf|kN|sigfig=1}} thrust engine that produced around {{convert|1000|lbf|kN|sigfig=1}} of thrust. "Xoie", as the craft was nicknamed, qualified for the Lunar Lander Challenge level two on October 30, 2009.{{cite web |date=October 30, 2009 |title=Masten Qualifies for $1 Million Prize; Unreasonable Rocket Completes 1st Attempt |url=http://thelaunchpad.xprize.org/2009/10/masten-qualifies-for-1-million-prize.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103072437/thelaunchpad.xprize.org/2009/10/masten-qualifies-for-1-million-prize.html |archive-date=3 November 2009}}

The Xaero reusable launch vehicle was a vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing (VTVL){{cite web|title=Flight Opportunities - Xaero |url=https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/suborbital/xaero/|publisher=NASA|access-date=2013-07-06|date=2013-06-10|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426102518/https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/suborbital/xaero/|archive-date=2013-04-26}} rocket which was being developed by Masten in 2010–2011. It was proposed to NASA as a potential suborbital reusable launch vehicle (sRLV) for carrying research payloads under NASA's Flight Opportunities Program (initially known as the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research/CRuSR program), projecting {{convert|30|km}} altitude in initial flights of five to six minutes duration, while carrying a {{convert|10|kg}} research payload. It was propelled by the {{convert|1150|lbf|kN}} Cyclops-AL-3 rocket engine burning isopropyl alcohol and liquid oxygen.{{cite web|url=http://masten.aero/2010/12/meet-xaero/|title=Meet Xaero|date=2010-12-06|access-date=2015-06-15|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071616/http://masten.aero/2010/12/meet-xaero/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/suborbital-firms-have-mixed-results-tests/|title=Suborbital Firms Have Mixed Results in Tests|publisher=Space News|date=2011-07-05|access-date=2015-06-15}}

The first Xaero test vehicle flew 110 test flights before being destroyed in its 111th flight. During the record-setting flight on 11 September 2012, an engine valve stuck open during descent, and this was sensed by the control system. As designed, the flight termination system was triggered, destroying the vehicle before it could create a range safety problem.{{cite news|last=Norris|first=Guy|title=Masten Xaero Destroyed During Test Flight|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_09_13_2012_p0-495175.xml|access-date=2012-09-16|newspaper=Aviation Week|date=2012-09-13|archive-date=2013-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519205138/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_09_13_2012_p0-495175.xml|url-status=dead}} The final test flight was intended to test the vehicle at higher wind loads and altitudes, flying to an altitude of one kilometer while testing the flight controls at the higher ascent and descent velocities before returning to a precise landing point. The ascent and initial portion of the descent was nominal, prior to the stuck throttle valve which resulted in the termination of the flight prior to the planned precision landing.{{cite news|last=Paur|first=Jason|title=Masten Space Systems Loses Rocket After Record Flight |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/09/masten-loses-rocket/|access-date=2012-09-16|newspaper=Wired Magazine|date=2012-09-14}}

Xaero-B was a follow-up to Xaero with the ability to reach {{convert|6|km}} altitude with engine on throughout. Xaero-B was between 15 and 16 feet tall where Xaero was 12 feet tall. Xaero-B performed hot-fire testing and test flights.{{cite news|url=http://masten.aero/2013/03/xaero-b-rises/|title=Xaero B Rises|work=Masten - Blog|date=18 March 2016|access-date=2016-06-09|archive-date=2013-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111230911/http://masten.aero/2013/03/xaero-b-rises/|url-status=dead}} It would have been used for the bulk of research flights up to initial altitudes between {{convert|20|km}} to {{convert|30|km}}.{{cite news|last=Norris|first=Guy|url=http://aviationweek.com/space/masten-starts-xaero-b-rocket-tests|title=Masten Starts Xaero B Rocket Tests|work=Aviation Week|date=Apr 10, 2013|access-date=2016-06-09}} The vehicle has now been retired due to damage on a test flight in April 2017. It flew 75 times.{{cite news|last1=Doug Messier|title=Masten's Xaero-B Damaged in Flight Test|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2017/05/11/mastens-xaerb-damaged-flight-test|access-date=May 12, 2017|work=Parabolic Arc|date=May 11, 2017}}

The Xodiac was a VTVL rocket introduced in 2016.{{cite news|url=http://spaceref.biz/company/masten-space-systems-introduces-xodiac-and-xaerob-next-generation-reusable-rockets.html|title=Masten Space Systems Introduces Xodiac and XaeroB Next Generation Reusable Rockets|work=SpaceRef|date=8 June 2016|access-date=2016-06-09|archive-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611090951/http://spaceref.biz/company/masten-space-systems-introduces-xodiac-and-xaerob-next-generation-reusable-rockets.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.popsci.com/masten-announces-completion-two-new-suborbital-rockets|title=Masten Unveils Two New Reusable Rockets|website=Popular Science|date=8 June 2016 |access-date=2016-06-08}}{{Cite web|url=http://masten.aero/2016/06/xodiac-xaerob/|title=Introducing Xodiac and XaeroB|date=2016-06-07|website=Masten Space Systems|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-08|archive-date=2016-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608060622/http://masten.aero/2016/06/xodiac-xaerob/|url-status=dead}} It featured pressure-fed LOX/IPA propellant, and a regeneratively cooled engine. Flights could simulate landing on the Moon or Mars.{{cite web|last1=Doug Messier|title=Blue Origin, Masten Vehicles Drive the Highway to Space|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2019/02/18/blue-origin-masten-vehicles-drive-highway-space/#more-67794|website=Parabolic Arc|date=18 February 2019 |access-date=February 18, 2019}} Video of Xodiac performing in-flight air flow tests Tuft strings.{{cite web|title=Xodiac Tuft Testing|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgEg23iGJIU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/LgEg23iGJIU |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|website=You Tube| date=24 April 2017 |publisher=Masten Space|access-date=April 25, 2017}}{{cbignore}}

Xogdor was a VTVL vehicle that Masten planned to introduce in 2023. As the sixth VTVL testbed developed at Masten, Xogdor would have improved upon the work done with Xodiac and tested descent and landing technologies at speeds up to {{cvt|447|mph|km/h}}.{{cite web|url=https://masten.aero/blog/masten-kicks-off-development-for-xogdor-rocket/|title=Masten Kicks Off Development of Xogdor, our Newest Rocket with Supersonic Speed|publisher=Masten Space Systems|date=August 25, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2021}}

Xeus (pronounced Zeus) was a vertical-landing, vertical-takeoff lunar lander demonstrator. Xeus consisted of a Centaur upper stage (from United Launch Alliance) with RL-10 main engine to which four Katana vertical thrusters have been added. Production Xeus was estimated to be able to land on the Moon with up to 14 tonnes (revised to 10 tonnes) payload when using the expendable version or 5 tonnes payload when using the reusable version.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ4lLTblx5M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/oQ4lLTblx5M |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=What if Apollo never happened? Episode 4|publisher=YouTube

|author=Spacevidcast|date=April 8, 2012|access-date=June 18, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

The damaged Centaur on the demonstrator Xeus limited it to Earth flights. The production versions would have to have been manufacturing fault free and certified for space operations. Human rating might also have been needed. United Launch Alliance, supplier of the Centaur, referred to Xeus as an abbreviation for eXperimental Enhanced Upper Stage. Further details of the proposed design were given in the paper "Experimental Enhanced Upper Stage (XEUS): An affordable large lander system".{{Cite book|doi=10.1109/AERO.2013.6497179|chapter=Experimental Enhanced Upper Stage (XEUS): An affordable large lander system|title=2013 IEEE Aerospace Conference|pages=1–9|year=2013|last1=Scotkin|first1=J.|last2=Masten|first2=D.|last3=Powers|first3=J.|last4=O'Konek|first4=N.|last5=Kutter|first5=B.|last6=Stopnitzky|first6= B.|isbn=978-1-4673-1813-6|s2cid=24637553}}

Each of the Katanas used on a Xeus lander were likely to produce {{convert|3500|lbf|kN}} when performing a horizontal touchdown.{{cite web|last=Belfiore|first=Michale|title=Video: moon landers advance at Masten Space|url=http://michaelbelfiore.com/2012/02/moo-landers-advance-at-masten-space.html|publisher=Michale Belfiore|access-date=July 25, 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509132911/http://michaelbelfiore.com/2012/02/moo-landers-advance-at-masten-space.html|archive-date=May 9, 2012}} In December 2012, Masten demonstrated their all-aluminum {{convert|2800|lbf|kN}} regeneratively-cooled engine, the KA6A.{{cite news|last=Lindsay|first=Clark|title=Masten Space test fires new Katana engine |url=http://newspacewatch.com/articles/masten-space-test-fires-new-katana-engine.html|access-date=2012-12-13|newspaper=NewSpace Watch|date=2012-12-11|url-access=subscription}}

The talk in this video announced the Xeus and also showed NASA's Space Exploration Vehicle rover with its two astronauts as a possible payload for the XEUS.

On 30 April 2014, the NASA announced that Masten Space Systems was one of the three companies selected for the Lunar CATALYST initiative.{{cite web|title=RELEASE 14-126 NASA Selects Partners for U.S. Commercial Lander Capabilities|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/april/nasa-selects-partners-for-us-commercial-lander-capabilities/#.U2RX1KIXJDw|work=NASA.GOV website |publisher=NASA|access-date=May 3, 2014|date=April 30, 2014}} NASA signed an unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) with Masten in September 2014. The SAA lasts until August 2017, has 22 milestones and calls for "End-to-end demonstration of hardware and software that enables a commercial lander on the Moon."{{cite web|last1=Masten Space Systems Inc.|first1=NASA|title=Space Act Agreement between NASA and Masten Space Systems for Lunar CATALYST|url=http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/Lunar_Catalyst_SAA_Masten_Signed_30Sep2014.pdf|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=24 May 2015}}

In December 2015, United Launch Alliance (ULA) were planning to upgrade the XEUS's main body from a Centaur Upper Stage to the Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES) which they were developing, significantly increasing the payload.{{cite web|last1=George Sowers|title=Transportation Architecture for Cislunar Space|date=December 15, 2015|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Published_Papers/Commercial_Space/SSP_12_15_sowers.pdf|website=www.ulalaunch.com|access-date=January 14, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217193525/http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Published_Papers/Commercial_Space/SSP_12_15_sowers.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite conference|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Published_Papers/Upper_Stages/ACES-Stage_Concept-AIAASpace_2015.pdf|title=ACES Stage Concept: Higher Performance, New Capabilities, at a Lower Recurring Cost|last1=Barr|first1=Jonathan|year=2015|conference=AIAA SPACE 2015 Conference & Exposition|publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics|pages=5, 6|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=22 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922063623/http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Published_Papers/Upper_Stages/ACES-Stage_Concept-AIAASpace_2015.pdf|url-status=dead}} Masten Space intended to incorporate experience from developing the XL family of cargo landers into the XEUS family of landers.

In August 2016, ULA's president and CEO said ULA intended to human rate both the Vulcan and ACES.{{cite web|last1=Tory Bruno|title=@A_M_Swallow @ULA_ACES We intend to human rate Vulcan/ACES|url=https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/770579558726668288|website=Twitter.com|access-date=August 30, 2016}}

XEUS was cancelled in July 2018.{{cite web|title=Tory Bruno will be a guest on the Space Show July 23 at 2PM Pacific|website=Reddit.com |date=23 July 2018 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ula/comments/917ddl/tory_bruno_will_be_a_guest_on_the_space_show_july|access-date=February 6, 2019}}

{{see also|List of crewed lunar lander designs}}

The XL-1 was a small cargo lunar lander that Masten was developing as part of the Lunar CATALYST program (SAAM ID 18250).{{cite web|last1=Masten Space Systems|title=1st order design model of our XL-1 lunar lander ACS thruster. 3D printed 1:1 scale 15N|url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/625797089369309184

|publisher=Twitter|access-date=November 20, 2015}} When powered by MXP-351 the XL-1 was designed to land {{convert|100|kg}} payloads onto the surface of the Moon.

As of August 2017, Masten Space expected the XL-1 to have four main engines which were being prototyped on the XL-1T and a wet mass of about {{convert|2400|kg}}.{{cite web|title=XL1 / XL1T|url=http://masten.aero/vehicles-2/xl1t|publisher=Masten Space Systems|access-date=August 11, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811173958/http://masten.aero/vehicles-2/xl1t/|url-status=dead}}

On 11 October 2016, Masten Space Tweeted a video showing the test firing of its new bi-propellant combination, internally called MXP-351. The test used an existing engine with an experimental injector, the first 'Machete', producing {{convert|225|lbf|kN}} thrust. Development of their 3D printed regen lunar engine that would use MXP-351 to land on the Moon continued. {{Asof|2017|3}}, a {{convert|1000|lbf|kN}} thrust version of Machete for the terrestrial testbed of the lander, dubbed XL-1T, was being manufactured.{{cite web|title=Same run - different angle @NASAexplores #CATALYST (Side view of MXP-351 propellant test video)|url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785857465296584706|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space|access-date=October 11, 2016

}}{{cite web|title=MXP-351 is our internal designation for the biprop combo. We intend to use this biprop with our small lunar landers. |url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785872380627267584|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space|access-date=October 11, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Sort of. We were testing the propellant combo and an injector design. The actual lunar engines are 3D printed and regen|url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785881558863323137|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space |access-date=October 11, 2016}}

In October 2017, NASA extended the Lunar CATALYST agreement for 2 years.{{cite web|last1=Erin Mahoney|title=NASA Extends Agreements to Advance Commercial Lunar Landers |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-extends-agreements-to-advance-commercial-lunar-landers|website=NASA.GOV|access-date=November 2, 2017|date=2017-10-31}}

On 29 November 2018, it was announced that Masten was eligible to bid at a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract by NASA.{{cite web|title=NASA Announces New Partnerships for Commercial Lunar Payload Delivery Services|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-new-partnerships-for-commercial-lunar-payload-delivery-services|publisher=NASA |access-date=November 29, 2018|date=2018-11-29}} Should the proposal be accepted by NASA to be built, the landing to Moon would be no earlier than 2021.{{cite web|last1=Colin Ake|title=Blog - NASA Selects Masten for Moon Delivery|url=https://www.masten.aero/blog/|website=Masten Space website|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=January 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122309/https://www.masten.aero/blog/|url-status=dead}}

On 8 April 2020, NASA selected Masten to deliver eight payloads – with nine science and technology instruments – to the South Pole of the Moon in 2022 with the XL-1 lander. Masten would also operate the payloads, helping to lay the foundation for human expeditions to the lunar surface beginning in 2024. The payloads, which included instruments to assess the composition of the lunar surface, test precision landing technologies, and evaluate the radiation on the Moon, were being delivered under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative as part of the agency's Artemis program. The US$75.9 million award included end-to-end services for delivery of the instruments, including payload integration, launch from Earth, landing on the surface of the Moon, and operation for at least 12 days. The payloads had predominantly been developed through two recent NASA Provided Lunar Payloads (NPLP) and Lunar Surface Instrument and Technology Payloads (LSITP) solicitations.{{cite web|title=NASA Awards Contract to Deliver Science, Tech to Moon Ahead of Human Missions|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-deliver-science-tech-to-moon-ahead-of-human-missions|website=www.nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|date=8 April 2020|access-date=10 April 2020}} {{PD-notice}}

On 26 August 2020, Masten announced that the first XL-1 mission, Masten Mission One, would be launched by SpaceX, although it was not at the time publicly known which SpaceX launch vehicle it would fly on.[https://www.masten.aero/blog/spacex/ SpaceX to Launch Masten Lunar Mission in 2022]. Meagan Crawford, Masten Press Release. August 26, 2020.

On 23 June 2021, Masten announced that the launch of Masten Mission One had been delayed to November 2023 due to COVID-19 pandemic related issues.

The XL-1T was a (T)errestrial technology and process demonstrator for the XL-1 and XEUS. A terrestrial flying test-bed was being used since lack of vehicle access to lunar landers after launch would make Masten's incremental design and test development methodology difficult and very expensive. Like the XL-1, the XL-1T was under development in partnership with NASA CATALYST (SAAM ID 18250).{{cite web|title=XL-1T|url=http://masten.aero/vehicles-2/xl-1t|publisher=Masten Space Systems|access-date=August 11, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811161241/http://masten.aero/vehicles-2/xl-1t/|url-status=dead}}

The XL-1T was expected to have a dry mass of 588.93 kg and a wet mass of 1270.68 kg which was less than the XL-1. The vehicle had 4 off Machete 4400 N main engines able to throttle between 25% and 100% (4:1). The propellant was MPX-351. Yaw and pitch were controlled by differential throttling. There were 4 off 22 N ACS thrusters to control roll.

Many characteristics of the XL-1T were deliberately made similar to the XL-1. These included multi-engine architecture, avionics, software, fuel, movement of inertia, slosh management, and mission design tools.

Masten was awarded a {{USD|3 million}} contract from DARPA to develop the XS-1 experimental spaceplane.[https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=b14a117bdb24046b7d59d462cd86ca88&tab=core&_cview=0 Masten Space Systems, Inc. award notice], US government document, June 27, 2014. Project ended as DARPA awarded the Phase 2 to Boeing.{{cite news|last1=Doug Messier|title=DARPA Picks Boeing for XS-1 Program|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2017/05/24/darpa-picks-boeing-xs1-program/#more-61644|access-date=May 25, 2017 |work=Parabolic Arc}}

In addition to its line of vehicles, Masten Space Systems was offering its internally developed igniters and engines commercially to interested and qualified parties.{{cite web|url=http://masten-space.com/products-hardware.html|title=Masten Space Systems Products|date=November 1, 2009|access-date=November 1, 2009|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923022905/http://masten-space.com/products-hardware.html|url-status=dead}} Masten also had stated its intent at multiple conferences to participate in technology maturation and proof of concept projects.

{{Infobox rocket engine

|name = Broadsword

|image = File:25K Hotfire (480x320).png

|image_size =

|caption = A hotfire testing of {{convert|25000|lbf|kN}} liquid oxygen/liquid methane Broadsword thrust chamber on 30 September 2016.

|country_of_origin = United States

|date =

|first_date =

|last_date =

|designer =

|manufacturer = Masten Space Systems

|purpose = To provide a lower-cost reusable launch service for the CubeSat and smallsat launch market

|associated =

|predecessor =

|successor =

|status = Prototype

|type = Liquid

|oxidiser = LOX

|fuel = Methane

|mixture_ratio =

|cycle =

|pumps =

|description =

|combustion_chamber =

|nozzle_ratio =

|thrust =

|thrust_at_altitude =

|thrust(Vac) = {{convert|35000|lbf|kN}} (estimate)

|thrust(SL) = {{convert|25000|lbf|kN}}

|throttle_range = To be determined

|thrust_to_weight =

|chamber_pressure =

|specific_impulse =

|specific_impulse_vacuum =

|specific_impulse_sea_level = To be determined

|total_impulse =

|burn_time =

|restarts =

|gimbal =

|capacity =

|dimensions = To be determined

|length = To be determined

|diameter = To be determined

|dry_weight = To be determined

|used_in =

|references =

|notes =

}}

Broadsword was a {{convert|25000|lbf|kN}} methane/liquid oxygen rocket engine Masten Space Systems was developing for the US government. Advanced manufacturing techniques would permit the engine to be used to provide a lower-cost reusable launch service for the growing CubeSat and smallsat launch market.{{cite web|last1=Gina Anderson|title=NASA Establishes New Public-Private Partnerships to Advance U.S. Commercial Space Capabilities|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-establishes-new-public-private-partnerships-to-advance-us-commercial-space|website=www.nasa.gov|publisher=NASA |date=February 22, 2017}} The prototype engine took 1.5 months to construct and was made of aluminium. The engine consisted of 3 parts that were bolted together.{{cite news

|last1=Renee Eng|title=Masten Space Systems Wins NASA Contract|url=http://www.twcnews.com/ca/antelope-valley/news/2017/04/7/masten-space-systems-wins-nasa-contract.html|access-date=April 10, 2017 |publisher=Spectrum News|date=April 7, 2017}} The engine used an expander cycle{{Cite web|url=http://masten.aero/2017/05/masten-achieves-first-hot-fire-of-broadsword-rocket-engine/|title = Masten Achieves First Hot-Fire of Broadsword Rocket Engine|date = 30 September 2016}} and was planned to produce {{convert|35000|lbf|kN}} with a bell extension in vacuum.{{cite news|last1=strangequark|title=Masten Space Systems Update (thread)|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=13206.msg1671304#msg1671304|access-date=April 27, 2017|publisher=NASA Space Flight|date=April 26, 2017}}

The development of a technology demonstration unit was completed in September 2016. The hot-fire test campaign concluded with the demonstration of six successful engine starts.

{{asof|2017}}, a second development unit containing enhancements was being developed for NASA under the Tipping Point program with the aim of being flight qualified.{{cite news

|last1=Doug Messier|title=Masten Achieves First Hot-Fire of Broadsword Rocket Engine|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2017/05/12/masten-achieves-hotfire-broadsword-rocket-engine|access-date=May 12, 2017 |work=Parabolic Arc|date=May 12, 2017}}{{update after|2018|4|22}}

{{Infobox rocket engine

|name = Cutlass

|image =

|image_size =

|caption =

|country_of_origin = USA

|date = Start April 2016

|first_date =

|last_date =

|manufacturer = Masten Space Systems

|purpose = Mars ascent engine with in-space propulsion capabilities

|associated = 65,000 lbf + LOX/methane booster Broadsword engine for Xephyr

|predecessor =

|successor =

|status = Development put on hold

|type = Liquid

|oxidiser = LOX

|fuel = Methane

|mixture_ratio =

|cycle =

|pumps =

|description =

|combustion_chamber =

|nozzle_ratio =

|thrust = {{convert|25000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}}

|thrust_at_altitude =

|thrust(Vac) =

|thrust(SL) =

|throttle_range = To be determined

|thrust_to_weight =

|chamber_pressure =

|specific_impulse =

|specific_impulse_vacuum = To be determined

|specific_impulse_sea_level =

|total_impulse =

|burn_time =

|restarts = Yes

|gimbal =

|capacity =

|dimensions = To be determined

|length = To be determined

|diameter = To be determined

|dry_weight = To be determined

|used_in =

|references =

|notes =

}}

Cutlass was a {{convert|25000|lbf|kN}} methane/liquid oxygen rocket engine Masten Space Systems was developing for the US government. Built using aluminium alloy via additive manufacturing techniques.{{cite web|last1=Masten Space Systems, Inc.|title=Additive Manufacturing Technology for a 25,000 lbf LOX/Methane Mars Ascent Engine|url=http://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts/16/sbir/phase1/SBIR-16-1-H2.01-7120.html|website=sibr.nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005161959/https://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts/16/sbir/phase1/SBIR-16-1-H2.01-7120.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=David Masten|title=@A_M_Swallow @rocketrepreneur @NASA @mastenspace and get a few Astros plus rocks off the surface too!|url=https://twitter.com/dmasten/status/725390278970863616|website=twitter.com|access-date=April 29, 2016}} Cutlass evolved into a low cost expendable upper stage engine using a gas generator cycle. A Phase 2 SBIR grant was not awarded so development was put on hold.{{cite news |last1=strangequark|title=Masten Space Systems Update (thread)|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=13206.msg1671282#msg1671282|access-date=April 27, 2017|publisher=NASA Space Flight |date=April 26, 2017}}

Katana class engines were designed to produce up to {{convert|4000|lbf|kN}} of thrust and to be regeneratively cooled. They were designed for indefinite runtime and good throttle response.{{cite web|url=http://masten-space.com/2012/05/21/katana-first-fire|title=Katana First Fire|author=Colinake|publisher=Masten Space Systems|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=June 18, 2012|archive-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816064142/http://masten-space.com/2012/05/21/katana-first-fire|url-status=dead}} A video of the all aluminium Katana KA6A Regen 2800 lbf engine's shake down test burning LOX/IPA (Isopropyl alcohol).{{cite web|title=Katana KA6A Regen 2,800lbf Shakedown Test|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOTj7aq7UGY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/tOTj7aq7UGY |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|website=YouTube.com| date=11 December 2012 |publisher=Mastenspace|access-date=June 16, 2016}}{{cbignore}}

{{Infobox rocket engine

|name = Machete

|image =

|image_size =

|caption =

|country_of_origin = USA

|date =

|first_date =

|last_date =

|designer =

|manufacturer = Masten Space Systems

|purpose = To provide an additively manufactured bipropellant engine for the XL-1 lunar lander

|associated =

|predecessor =

|successor =

|status = Prototype

|type = Liquid

|oxidiser =

|fuel = MXP-351 (bipropellant)

|mixture_ratio =

|cycle =

|pumps =

|description =

|combustion_chamber =

|nozzle_ratio =

|thrust = {{convert|1000|lbf|kN}}

|thrust_at_altitude =

|thrust(Vac) =

|thrust(SL) =

|throttle_range = 4:1

|thrust_to_weight =

|chamber_pressure =

|specific_impulse =

|specific_impulse_vacuum = 322 seconds

|specific_impulse_sea_level = 180 seconds

|total_impulse =

|burn_time =

|restarts = Yes

|gimbal =

|capacity =

|dimensions = To be determined

|length = To be determined

|diameter = To be determined

|dry_weight = To be determined

|used_in = XL-1T

|references =

|notes =

}}

Machete was the name for a family of throttleable rocket engine designs Masten Space Systems was developing to permit their XL-1 lunar lander to land on the Moon. The Machete rocket engines burned the nontoxic storable hypergolic propellant combination MXP-351. The first Machete had an experimental injector design that was used to test MXP-351 in 2016, producing a thrust of 225 lbf. {{asof|2017|3}}, Masten was modifying the design to make the engines additively-manufactured with regeneratively-cooled thrust chambers. Machete engines were being scaled up to produce 1000 lb thrust for a terrestrial test-bed version dubbed (XL-1T).

MXP-351 was Masten Space's internal name for a self-igniting bipropellant combination invented to fuel its small lunar landers. Unlike the traditional NTO/MMH bipropellant, the two propellant chemicals in MXP-351 were safer to handle because they are nontoxic. The bipropellant could also be stored at room temperatures, unlike liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The hypergolic combination had an ISP of 322 seconds. The storage life of MXP-351 before use was undergoing long-term studies but was expected to be a few years. The reduced operation constraints might have permitted a reduction in recurring operating costs.{{cite web|title=Theoretical Isp:322s vs 336 for NTO Both propellants nontoxic. Splash protection & simple chem respirator 2 handle|url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785863210662584320|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space |access-date=October 11, 2016}}{{cite web|title=we have demonstrated a safer & easier to handle hypergolic alternative to NTO/MMH. We call it MXP-351 |url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785856508898803713|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Systems|access-date=October 11, 2016}}{{cite web|title=That is a long-term study currently in progress. With a proper feed system in place, our current estimate is a few years.|url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785869183993061376|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space |access-date=October 11, 2016}}

Masten Space used similar precautions when handling MXP-351 to those used for HTP (High-Test Peroxide). These included wearing splash protection clothing plus a simple chemical respirator.{{cite web|title=We use the same precautions as for handling HTP plus the addition of a simple chemical respirator. |url=https://twitter.com/mastenspace/status/785880608568254465|website=Twitter|publisher=Masten Space|access-date=October 11, 2016}} They claimed that spills could be rectified by diluting with water and rinsing away.{{cite web |date=23 March 2017 |title=Masten's Green Bipropellant: MXP-351 |url=http://masten.aero/2017/03/introducing-mastens-green-bipropellant-mxp-351 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324125436/http://masten.aero/2017/03/introducing-mastens-green-bipropellant-mxp-351/ |archive-date=24 March 2017 |access-date=23 March 2017 |website=www.masten.aero}}

Masten Space Systems was to launch a lunar lander mission called Masten Mission One or MM1 in November 2023, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. It was to have a suite of payloads for NASA.

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{{Reflist|2}}

{{external media| float = right| images= [http://ing.dk/artikel/111672-se-amerikansk-raketbyggers-rumfartoejer-blive-skudt-af Video of MSS craft]
[https://www.youtube.com/user/mastenspace Official MSS Youtube channel]}}

• [http://www.masten.aero Masten Space Systems] – Company homepage
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110912115613/http://www.youtube.com/mastenspace Masten YouTube] – Company video at YouTube
• [https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/lunar-catalyst-saa-amendment-masten-28sep2017.pdf Masten/NASA Space Act Agreement - Amended September 2017] Covers XL-1, XL-1T and XEUS

Category:Mojave Air and Space Port

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